We (four of us) are travelling to Italy in October. We will fly to Palermo, rent a car, and drive to Rome over the course of 8-10 days. We will spend 4-5 days on Sicily and 2 days in Salerno.

I am interested in ANY specific information regarding rental cars, renting hotels on the spur of the moment in October, sites to see, and, yes, what to avoid. Thanks.

Topping for PalermotoRome.

I rented from Avis through AutoEurope in Palermo this past May and was very happy with the experience. I got really good mileage with a diesel vehicle, and it is a few cents cheaper than gas. I have not driven the route you are proposing. Hopefully others will offer their suggestions.

Not much time but doable. I would not get the car until you depart Palermo and I would drop it in Salerno and train to Rome. What about this itinerary:
Palermo--3 nites
Taormina--2 nites
Salerno--3 nites[all day to drive there
That is 8 !

Thanks to Presocia and bobthenavigator for great advice. I have had a real struggle with the car rental. Thanks for the Avis/AutoEurope advice. Thought we would do as you said and spend a day or two in Palermo and then pick up the car. We have relatives to find/see in Caccamo (outside Palermo) and Salerno. Great idea about dropping the car in Salerno!! Thanks so much to both of you!

We drove Rome to Sicily and back a few months ago. For some tips on what to do (and not to do!), you might want to look at the trip report that my wife (screen name WVCyndy) posted on Fodors here. You'll find it if you use the search and type in: Trip Report: Rome to Sicily and return .
We had a great time.